Artemisia annua's best-proven strength is killing parasites and certain microbes through a reaction with iron inside cells. Early human experience for stubborn gut imbalance is encouraging but limited. Cancer, inflammation, and healthy-aging goals rest mostly on laboratory and animal work. Generally well tolerated in short courses, though digestive upset is common and liver, early-pregnancy, and inherited blood-condition concerns are real. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| ALT | ~10–25 U/L | Detects liver-cell stress from the herb |
| AST | ~10–25 U/L | Complements ALT for liver injury |
| Total bilirubin | 0.3–1.0 mg/dL | Flags red-cell breakdown and liver clearance |
| Hemoglobin / CBC | ~13.5–15 g/dL (men), ~12.5–14 g/dL (women) | Screens for anemia from possible hemolysis |
| Reticulocyte count | ~0.5–1.5% | Rises when marrow compensates for red-cell loss |
| G6PD activity | Normal (enzyme-replete) | Identifies inherited vulnerability to red-cell breakdown |
| Ferritin / iron studies | Ferritin ~50–150 ng/mL | Gauges iron status, which modifies the herb's activity |
Cadence: Baseline, then repeat at ~4 weeks (or sooner if symptoms arise); re-check every 3–6 months only with repeated or extended cycles